ESA, your having a laugh!

[furnitman2003]

I'm keen to comment on these two areas of the coalition policy on welfare:

I want to protest about sick and disabled people being sent onto JSA and having their benefit "sanctioned" when they are unable (due to illness and disabilities) to comply with the conditions and requirements.

being imposed upon them.

Furthermore, I will protest that when the ESA club are shunted to JSA following a sham medical they face severe barriers to returning to work, they don't get the requisite extra support needed and at the end of the day they end up being "impossible to re-employ" condemned to a life in poverty on £65.45/week.

 

Regards,

Paul.

 

Count me in.

alan

[Surfer01]

What would happen if you had for instance an appointment at 3pm on a specific day and attended, but after half an hour no consultaion and you had to leave because you are unable to sit on their chairs for more than 20 minutes and you had informed them of this issue.

When I go to the specialist at the NHS hospital they normally find me a chair that I can sit on however they try and make sure that I am seen as soon as possible and generally within 15 minutes of my appointment time.

[loan_ranger]

What would happen if you had for instance an appointment at 3pm on a specific day and attended, but after half an hour no consultaion and you had to leave because you are unable to sit on their chairs for more than 20 minutes and you had informed them of this issue.

When I go to the specialist at the NHS hospital they normally find me a chair that I can sit on however they try and make sure that I am seen as soon as possible and generally within 15 minutes of my appointment time.

I expect the 'A'TOSsers would show all the compassion of a storm-trooper faced with a lame prisoner on a long forced march and shoot you. Well not quite, but I read on one of the wordpress blogs the account of someone being turned away without being allowed to reschedule because she turned up (in her wheelchair) a few minutes late even though the medicals were running late at 2 hours behind appointment times. The reason she was late was because there was no "customer" parking at the med centre meaning that her dad had to drop her off near as poss to the centre and go some distance to park, thus he was unable to help her wheel her way through some rather awkward doors to get to the reception and the 'A'TOSsers wouldn't help.

There was another recent story of a "customer's" wheelchair bound friend who was turned away "on health and safety grounds" because ATOSh said they "lacked the facilities" for this.

 

Regards, Paul.

 

BTW I got my comments published on the Jobs and welfare | Programme for Government page and they've linked to my web-site, pretty good seeing as my site is anti the welfare reform act.

[ANDYANDFLO]

I'm keen to comment on these two areas of the coalition policy on welfare:

I want to protest about sick and disabled people being sent onto JSA and having their benefit "sanctioned" when they are unable (due to illness and disabilities) to comply with the conditions and requirements.

being imposed upon them.

Furthermore, I will protest that when the ESA club are shunted to JSA following a sham medical they face severe barriers to returning to work, they don't get the requisite extra support needed and at the end of the day they end up being "impossible to re-employ" condemned to a life in poverty on £65.45/week.

 

Regards,

Paul.

 

Hey, after receiving my letter of failure and after receiving some bad advice from the DWP, I did as I was told and claimed JSA. The young lady interviewing me, to be honest looked and sounded a little confused as to why I was looking for work. I told her the story that the ESA people had suggested that I should claim JSA - so here I was, present and correct!!!

Oh she said, but you don't look at all well - well would you if you had my problems? Now I must admit that I may have appeared to be under the influence - I certainly was, had taken 100mgs of morphine just to get me to the JC+!!!

All the usual questions were asked and she suggested that I restrict my search for a job to 30 hrs pw. Ok off I went, came back the next day to sign on but was refused. The young lady came to see me and quite nicely told me that it was clear to her and her manager that I was too sick to work and consequently, she said that the JSA form had been destroyed. It was suggested that maybe I should be claiming ESA. Yes I said but they said I was fit for work!!! Oh was the reply, never mind I think you should try again!!!

That was it, I appealed and am going down that route now - I wish they would make their minds up - either I am or I am not fit for work.

[RaeUK]

... BTW I got my comments published on the Jobs and welfare | Programme for Government page and they've linked to my web-site, pretty good seeing as my site is anti the welfare reform act.

 

Saw your comments Loan Ranger but no link to your website. Can you post a link here?

Thanks

Rae

[furnitman2003]

she turned up (in her wheelchair) a few minutes late even though the medicals were running late at 2 hours behind appointment times.

 

Out of curiosity, how many others were kept waiting for their assesment ?

I suspect, quite a few, probably intentional, Covert Observation.

 

I've checked out your link, LR, great post.

I've added my two-penneth. lol

[loan_ranger]

Saw your comments Loan Ranger but no link to your website. Can you post a link here?

Thanks

Rae

The link is my name - Loan Ranger, written in pale green. Hopefully, if you hover your mouse over it the cursor/arrow turns into a hand so you can click to my site.

 

Please give it a go and report back if it's not working.

 

Regards,

Paul.

[RaeUK]

Lol, hadn't realised LR. Yes works well. Nice site, clean crisp and clear...

Best wishes

Rae

[loan_ranger]

Lol, hadn't realised LR. Yes works well. Nice site, clean crisp and clear...

Best wishes

Rae

Thanks Rae, much obliged.

 

It took a couple of hours for my comments to be checked for content by the moderator and subsequently published, I expect they'll have gone home now so I'll look forward to reading a few caggers comments tomorrow.

Regards,

Paul.

[loan_ranger]

Out of curiosity, how many others were kept waiting for their assesment ?

I suspect, quite a few, probably intentional, Covert Observation.

Me too, the seated waiting areas are bristling with CCTV surveillance and the seating is low without arms to observe if you can stand from seated unaided.

 

I've checked out your link, LR, great post.

I've added my two-penneth. lol

Yes, and true to your word your comments are now showing and what you wrote is pretty damn good stuff.

 

Best regards,

Paul.

[furnitman2003]

I've got my second Atos medical assessment Friday, not looking forward to it, following my earlier one, which was a joke.

I'm not quite sure what to expect at this assessment, as its as a result of this letter from jobcentre plus

 

"We have looked at your claim following a recent change" etc, etc, a decision on your capability for work, you have been placed in the Work Related Activity Group"

 

This was their reply to my Appeal/complaint against the original decision.

 

When I rang and queried why I have to have another one, they told me "its part of the procedure, nothing to worry about".

 

I'm not quite so sure

I'm going to keep detailed account, and try and stay calm.

Alan

[loan_ranger]

Hi Alan,

 

I think they're only supposed to send you for a new medical (as a matter of "procedure") if the previous Atosh medical said your condition is likely to improve or get cured in X months. If my memory serves this isn't the case re. your situation, so I can only conjecture that the DWP has a nasty case of "sour grapes".

 

Regards, Paul.

[chloe01]

Hi there. If only they were having a laugh......

 

I also had anxiety and depression and won when I went to tribunal, but it was hard work and it doesn't help one's mental condition.

 

HB x

 

Hi HB,

 

Did you win on your first tribunal? I have same condition as you plus Bipolar and panic Attacks, for the last 20 years, are you on meds. I am, you can hear me rattle:). You have probably read my threads re DLA in Spain. Thankfully as I live in Spain I won´t meet the dreaded ATOS bunch of nutters. If I come accross any sitting on the beach (not that I go often), I´ll make sure to dig a big hole and bury them:-x

 

GS xx

 

p.s Not heard back for Legal Advisor, probably still trawling through DWP´s submission. Bet the rainforest is missing a few trees;)

[furnitman2003]

Hi Alan,

 

I think they're only supposed to send you for a new medical (as a matter of "procedure") if the previous Atosh medical said your condition is likely to improve or get cured in X months. If my memory serves this isn't the case re. your situation, so I can only conjecture that the DWP has a nasty case of "sour grapes".

 

Regards, Paul.

 

Sour grapes indeed, my physical condition has inproved a bit, ie, Ive had my operation on my arm, still awaiting hospital verdict,

My mental state has not improved, actually, its worsened.

I've just been for an Independant private Psychiatric Assessment, (as part of an ongoing personal injury claim), they have recommended a change of medication and a course of one to one councelling.

I'll inform Atos of this, they probably wont take any notice.

Alan

[cbbc]

Alan, I won my appeal on May 14th and was put in the work related group. Two weeks later I recieved another invitation from ATOS, I too thought the whole thing was starting up again but when I phoned was told it was a work focused interview to talk about my work prospects, expectations etc. I think this is when we are supposed to start the 6 interviews that most of us have already had. I wonder if they could decide to put you in the support group after this interview.

Edited June 9, 2010 by cbbc
spelling

[loan_ranger]

I think cbbc has the best answer. Well done, I'm kicking myself now for not having thought of that too.

[honeybee13]

Hi HB,

 

'Did you win on your first tribunal? I have same condition as you plus Bipolar and panic Attacks, for the last 20 years, are you on meds. I am, you can hear me rattle:). You have probably read my threads re DLA in Spain.'

 

Yes, I did win at my first tribunal and attended in person even though I really didn't want to. It was some time back now, and for IB. We were advised that my chances would be better if I did go, although I fully understand GS's predicament.

 

I am still on medication for anxiety and depression.

 

I hope that helps a bit.

 

HB x

Edited June 9, 2010 by honeybee13
Showing quote. Why don't the blue boxes work for me most of the time? :(

[furnitman2003]

Hi cbbc and paul, that makes sense, I had'nt thought of it like that, thats reassuring.

Thanks, alan

[rightsforme]

I've got my second Atos medical assessment Friday, not looking forward to it, following my earlier one, which was a joke.

I'm not quite sure what to expect at this assessment, as its as a result of this letter from jobcentre plus

 

"We have looked at your claim following a recent change" etc, etc, a decision on your capability for work, you have been placed in the Work Related Activity Group"

 

This was their reply to my Appeal/complaint against the original decision.

 

When I rang and queried why I have to have another one, they told me "its part of the procedure, nothing to worry about".

 

I'm not quite so sure

I'm going to keep detailed account, and try and stay calm.

Alan

Same happened to me furnitureman within 2 weeks of winning tribunal and being placed in WRAG had to go for medical with ATOS again. ATOS doctor refused to see me when I arrived in a state as it was due to be with the same doctor that Tribunal judgement was against. The secretary at ATOS was really nice and rang DWP informing them and also said no way should I be there and told them the state I was in but still to no avail. She had to rebook another appointment with a different doctor as dwp still said I had to undergo the work medical. I had to go back a week later and saw another doctor and face an interrogation of stupid questions over and over again, in the end I lost it completely and accused them of trying to kill me off. Interrogation ended and was told i would get report, to date no report then a further request for yet another medical, friend rang and seems they did report manually so it had not been entered on system I had attended, though took giving details of being paid for both before they finally admitted I had. To this date I have not had the report or an appointment with an advisor and fear and dread that I will end up going through this all over again. It a farce and only hinders our health, I dread to think of how many have actually commited suicide over this sort of inhuman treatment.

[furnitman2003]

Hi Rfm.

Whilst I feel reassured by cbbc and pauls earlier post, I am worried how I'm going to react at this assessment, if its starts to feel like an interrogation, like last time, I could quite well 'loose it' as my feelings, which used to be annoyance and frustration, have become anger and rage, mixed with dispair that they are getting away with this.

I too wonder how many have actually commited suicide over this, I've come very close, and its only the support of my wife, and the other members of this site who are experiencing similar, if not worse, that keeps me going.

Alan

[furnitman2003]

Hi I had my Atos medical Friday afternoon, it was as cbbc and Paul said.

and was nothing to worry about, it was a Work Focused Interview.

 

I was really suprised at how different the two assessments were, this recent one was very friendly, and in a small cosy and bright office, and very informal. The complete opposite from the other one, which was nothing more than an "Interrogation", in a dimly lit, sparcely furnished hall like room. Deliberatly designed to Intimidate

 

When I explained everything to them, and then showed her my Doctors letter, (She did'nt want to see it, but I insisted she read it) she agreed I was not yet ready to resume work.

I did get quite worked up, but stayed in control, and explained that "I shall be returning to work at some point, but it wont be yet, and the longer this kind of treatment carries on, then the longer it will be, I have no wish to be at the mercy of the DWP for longer than I have to, but at present I have no choice".

She seemed very understanding and assured me that I would not be pressed to undertake any WFI's for a while, (I'll believe that when I see it).

In all, nothing like I had expected, and was ready for).

 

Alan

[rightsforme]

Hi I had my Atos medical Friday afternoon, it was as cbbc and Paul said.

and was nothing to worry about, it was a Work Focused Interview.

 

I was really suprised at how different the two assessments were, this recent one was very friendly, and in a small cosy and bright office, and very informal. The complete opposite from the other one, which was nothing more than an "Interrogation", in a dimly lit, sparcely furnished hall like room. Deliberatly designed to Intimidate

 

When I explained everything to them, and then showed her my Doctors letter, (She did'nt want to see it, but I insisted she read it) she agreed I was not yet ready to resume work.

I did get quite worked up, but stayed in control, and explained that "I shall be returning to work at some point, but it wont be yet, and the longer this kind of treatment carries on, then the longer it will be, I have no wish to be at the mercy of the DWP for longer than I have to, but at present I have no choice".

She seemed very understanding and assured me that I would not be pressed to undertake any WFI's for a while, (I'll believe that when I see it).

In all, nothing like I had expected, and was ready for).

 

Alan

Glad it went well for you, wish my wfi had been like that, unfortunately mine was constant interrogation and even worse than the original medical and I still do not have the report.

[furnitman2003]

Glad it went well for you, wish my wfi had been like that, unfortunately mine was constant interrogation and even worse than the original medical and I still do not have the report.

 

Sorry to hear that, rfm.

Although mine went well, or seemed too, there's no knowing what is in the actual report, probably the complete opposite, lol. time will tell.

Alan

[cbbc]

Hi, has anyone had a work focused interview and had the result, thats if you get one.

Do they decide at this interview how long they will leave you alone for?

Are they honest - unlike the ATOS 'medical'?

I have not heard much about these interviews and as I have one soon I would be very interested. Thanks.

[happyhamr]

sorry ,people when you say (work focused interviews) WFI....,

do you mean interviews with "PATHWAYS",WFI.

 

Also does this mean, you are in the Work focused Group ,and so get the additional 25pound(approx) a week

 

just want to "clarify", many thanks. sorry for still being "confused":confused:

 

Hope you are all well,furnit man2003,rightsforme+cbbc,

regards :)hamr